Vice President Kamala Harris Swears In Congressman Robert Garcia as Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee

Long Beach, CA – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) was ceremonially sworn in as the Ranking Member and top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee by Vice President Kamala Harris. At the ceremony, Congressman Garcia delivered remarks outlining his new leadership role, his priorities for holding the Trump Administration accountable, and his plans to rebuild and reform our government so that it works better for every single American. He was joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, who administered the oath.

“I was honored to be sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris, who has always fought for our country and shown us what true leadership looks like,” said Congressman Robert Garcia. “We must continue cracking down on corruption, fighting for working- and middle-class people, and reforming our government so it works for everyone. I’m especially grateful to have been able to share this moment with Vice President Harris, and I’m ready to get to work to hold Donald Trump and his Administration accountable for their corruption and abuses of power. We will deliver real results for the American people.”

Excerpts of Congressman Garcia’s remarks, as prepared:

“Democrats in the House need to reach new voters and to communicate in new ways, and to show the American people we are fighting for them–

To take on corruption–

To protect people, from anyone being ripped off by big corporations

And to build a more efficient and responsive government, which truly works for everyone.

Our work paid off and I was so grateful for the overwhelming support of our caucus.

And I am so excited to be taking on this challenge.

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We’re going to use our committee to drive a message to show the American people our true values.

Democrats are the party of working families – but we must meet communities where they are.

Traditional media isn’t enough – to drive real policy wins, we must break through the noise, capture public attention, and energize people to act.

We need to be aggressive in every medium, across every platform, combating misinformation and telling a bold, clear story about our values and vision for the future.

We’re going after powerful interests who screw over hard-working people.

We’re going to go after dark money and insider trading, in Congress or the White House.

We’re going to strengthen our disaster preparedness.

We’re going to rebuild our public health infrastructure.

We’re going to build an affordable, fair economy which supports working families.

And we’re going to make sure everyone in our communities is treated with respect and dignity.”

Congressman Robert Garcia was elected to serve as the Ranking Member and top Democrat of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee by his Democratic colleagues in June. Congressman Garcia’s historic election makes him the first sophomore to be elected to serve as the Democratic Ranking Member of a House committee in over 100 years. This election makes Congressman Garcia one of the newest members in history to lead the Democratic minority on the powerful oversight panel. Congressman Garcia is committed to standing up to corruption, protecting working people and middle-class families, defending our democracy, and delivering on reforms to make our government work better for everyone. Congressman Garcia was ceremonially sworn in as Long Beach’s 28th mayor by then-Attorney General Kamala Harris in 2014.

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